Venezuela still has time to participate in ICJ process – Min. Greenidge
– addresses the General Debate at 73rd UN General Assembly
DPI, Guyana, Friday, September 28, 2018
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carl Greenidge, said the rule of law must prevail even as he encouraged Venezuela to participate in the proceedings for a final resolution of the longstanding border controversy between the two countries.
Today, Minister Greenidge updated the 73rd session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 73) on the matter during his address at the General Debate at the UN headquarters in New York, USA.
In January, the UN’s Secretary-General referred the matter to the International Court of Justice for final resolution. Venezuela contends the Arbitral Award of 1899 that settled the boundaries between the two countries is null and void.
Minister Greenidge noted this decision is binding on both parties. In March of this year, Guyana filed its application in the ICJ seeking an affirmation of the validity of the 1899 Arbitral Award and the international boundary that it established.
However, Venezuela had refused to participate in the proceedings.
“Guyana sincerely hopes that it will change its mind. There is still time for it to do so,” Minister Greenidge said.
Minister Greenidge expressed gratitude to the Secretary-General for his important contribution to the resolution of the matter.
“[Guyana] looks forward to a final judgment by the International Court of Justice. The rule of law must prevail,” Minister Greenidge said.
Guyana seeks peace, not only in its region but throughout the world, Minister Greenidge noted before reiterating the call for a two-state solution to the generational conflict between the peoples of Palestine and Israel.
He also called on the international community to take necessary steps to safeguard the human rights of the Rohingya population in Myanmar while saluting the efforts of Bangladesh to provide haven to refugees fleeing persecution.
The minister also reiterated calls for the removal of trade and economic embargo against Cuba.
Minister Greenidge stressed that “adherence to the cardinal principles of the sovereign equality of States, respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of States, and the peaceful resolution of disputes are the most effective guarantees of peace.”
Tiffny Rhodius
Images: UN Photos/Rick Bajornas/Kim Haughton